8.0

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz C class needs no introduction and being a coupe it offers more of power and performance than luxury and convince. The 2017 Mercedes C class coupe is not just a performance coupe, it is way luxurious and convenient than ever. The car has an aggressive looking sleek body, low ride height, sharp design, powerful engine, precise handling and many more.

The 2017 C class has gone through any changes and come with four different trim levels. The standard model, C300 has a price tag of $42,650 and offers 241 bhp 4-cylinder engine. It has 7-speed automatic transmission, rear wheel drivetrain. The Mercedes C class offers a wide range of tech and features which are totally customizable.

The C class coupe has a lot to discover and at this affordable price range, in the race of proving to be the best this performance coupe competes with the Cadillac ATS, Audi A5 sport and the BMW 430i.

AMG C 63 S 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 7A)

Expert Review

carhp editorOctober 24, 2018

8.0

Overall Rating

8.1/10Features

8.1/10Engine

7.1/10Fuel Economy

7.5/10Interior

8.1/10Exterior

The 2017 C class has gone through any changes and come with four different trim levels. The standard model, C300 has a price tag of $42,650 and offers 241 bhp 4-cylinder engine. It has 7-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drivetrain. The Mercedes C class offers a wide range of tech and features which are totally customizable.

Features

8.1/10

The Mercedes-Benz C class coupe offers 4 different trims levels that ranges from $42,650 to $67,000. Starting from the C300 as the base model, it comes so well equipped that you will hardly find any flaws, like 10-way power seat with memory setting, automatic wipers, rearview camera, leather interiors, and sunroof and power everything.

For an additional $2000 you can have the four-wheel drive or the C300 4Matic. The C63S with a price tag of &67,000 offers a more powerful 469 bhp V8 engine producing 479 lb.-ft. of torque with all the standard features of C300 whereas the C63S get more wild featuring a massive 503 bhp engine producing 516 lb.-ft. of torque with 7-speed automatic and C63 standard features.

Bluetooth and an audio system with a CD player, dual USB ports, an SD card reader and HD radio

The Mercedes Benz C300 is the best as it is well-equipped performance coupe at an affordable price range. The C300 4Matic with four-wheel drive boosts up the performance. But at the range of AMG C63 and C63 S you have some better competitors at that class, so make sure to consider them all.

Engine

8.1/10

"The seven-speed transmission times its shifts smartly, yet during full-throttle kickdowns, gearchanges are slower than those of the eight-speed automatic BMW favors."-CarandDriver

Engine & Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 is equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 7-speed transmission with shift pedals and rear-wheel drive train. This 241 hp engine produces 273 lb.-ft. of torque and also offers satisfactory fuel economy. Well, it is packs a little less punch than and is a bit less aggressive sounding than others but gets the work done.

When it comes to the competition every competitor is blessed with 2.0L turbocharged engine and the Mercedes C300 is not the best in the class as the Cadillac ATS is the most affordable offers most insane 272 bhp engine and 295 lb-ft. followed by the BMW putting Audi A5 at the last.

Models

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

MSRP

$42,650

$37,595

$42,200

$42,150

Engine

2.0L Turbo I4

2.0L Turbo, I4, DI, DOHC, VVT

2.0L TFSI 4 Cylinder

2.0L I4 turbo

Transmission

7-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5550 rpm

272 hp @ 5500 rpm

220 hp @ 4450 rpm

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque

273 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm

295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm

258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm

The Mercedes-Benz C300 featuring 241bhp engine with 7-speed automatic and rear wheel drivetrain races from 0-60 mph in 6.2 sec and hits the quarter mile margin at 14.6 sec. The C300 gets shift pedals to give the manual feeling and make shifting easier but it doesnt pack the punch that BMW or Cadillac offers.

Acceleration

Compared to the Mercedes the Cadillac ATS is way faster but the BMW 430i leads this segment with the best 0-60 mph time. The Audi A5 being a sport variant stills stays behind but matches the C300 performance. This is the one section that will disappoint you a bit about the C300 and thats why we have some powerful variant with big price tags.

Models

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

0-60 MPH

6.2 sec

5.7 sec

6.1 sec

5.5 sec

Quarter mile

14.6 sec

14.2 sec

14.7 sec

14.4 sec

Engine

2.0L

2.0L

2.0L

2.0L

Emission

(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)

6.7

7.1

7.0

6.6

Ride & Handling

Whether its the C class, E class or the G class, Mercedes never disappoints when it comes to handling and drive experience. The C300 comes standard with electric power steering that offers precise and responsive controls, being a low rider this car really sticks to the ground and cuts corners with ease. The active cruise control reduces the hassle in the traffic.

The C300 is featured with four-wheel independent suspension which has a rather good shock absorption but it is still stiffer than others and so you can have the optional air suspension for a more comfortable ride. As any other Mercedes, the C300 also features several drive modes to suit your drive style or terrain as the car adjusts itself for the best performance.

The Audi A5 sport and the C300 has same brakes but the A5 leads the segment while the weight difference explains the rest.

Model

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

Brake Front (in.)

12.5

12.6

12.6

12.3

Brake Rear (in.)

11.8

12.4

11.8

11.8

Curb Weight (lbs.)

3638

3411

3583

3558

60-0 MPH (ft.)

109

115

108

N/A

Fuel Economy

7.1/10

The C300 coupe offers an average mileage of 23/30mpg in city/highway with a combined mileage of 26 mpg. Of course it is not the best in the class but it is pretty efficient, well it also depends on the way and the drive mode in which you are driving the car. The Audi A5 and Cadillac ATS has same fuel efficiency whereas the BMW leads the segment putting C300 at second.

Model

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

MPG (city)

23

22

22

23

MPG (highway)

30

31

30

34

MPG (combined)

26

25

25

27

Interior

7.5/10

"The C300’s chief selling point is its beautifully designed and richly appointed cabin. Passengers are spoiled with excellent seats, stylish trim, and top-drawer fit and finish."-CarandDriver

Seating & Comfort

The C300 has the best interiors in the whole class, from comfort to features and functionality, it just tops. This 2-door 4-seater sedan features high quality leather upholstery finish with lots of soft touch material and leather wrapped steering wheel. It also has a panoramic sunroof. The C300 features 10-way power driver seat with memory, power lumbar and height adjustment.

It also features height adjustable 8-way power passenger seat and split folding rear seat. The multifunction steering wheel offer volume and cruise control with shift pedals. The driver side door features mounted seat, window, lock controls with trunk releases and controls for SOS, light and sunroof is mounted over rear view mirror, to keep all the controls in one hand reach.

Model

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

Passenger capacity

4

4

4

4

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38.8/54.8/42.0

37.6/54.1/42.3

39.1/54.3/41.3

39.8/55.3/42.2

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

35.6/51.7/32.0

35.1/51.1/33.5

36.0/52.8/31.7

36.1/51.7/33.7

Interior Features:

Cruise Control

Keyless Ignition

Keyless power Door lock

Hands-Free entry

Panoramic sunroof

Power window

Power/heated mirror

Electric Power steering

Tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Climate Control

Universal remote transmitter

Dual illuminating Vanity Mirror

Rear View Camera

The 2017 C300 coupe gets totally refreshed and upgraded infotainment system. It features a highresolution 7 inch infotainment display with a center control knob for easy control. It has straight forward easy to use interface that lets you adjust almost everything. The C300 comes standard with AM/FM stereo, 2 subwoofer(s), memory card slot, Auxiliary audio input and USB connection.

The C300 offers 10.5 cubic foot of cargo volume which is not much but for a coupe, it works and it can be increased by folding down the rear seats. The C300 does offer a trunk opener as it can only be accessed by the Key fob or trunk release button inside the car. It does come with a toolkit, plastic bag holders and cargo net to increase its versatility.

Model

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

10.5

10.4

12.2

12.6

Exterior

8.1/10

"In the process of shedding the two rear doors, the C-Class increases its visual appeal. Up front is a striking grille with the three-pointed star proudly emblazoned in its center."-Edmunds

Dimension & Weight

The Mercedes C300 coupe is a fully redesigned car. It has an aerodynamically engineered long body with a curvy end, keeping low ride height improves traction and control while the ducktail spoiler keeps it balanced. The C300 has very classy but sport looking exterior with an aggressive front. The signature diamond grille, LED headlight, and silver exhaust outlets compliment its looks.

The C300 weighs about 3638lbs which is heavy, it is 184.5 inches long and 71.3 inches wide with a body height of 55.3 inches., the 5.1-inch ground clearance keeps the car low while the 111.8 inch wheelbase offers a more balanced ride. The C300 is not very long but enough to sit four people, the rear gets a bit cramped due to less headroom but still, you get pretty spacious interior and cool exterior.

Model

Mercedes Benz C 300

Cadillac ATS

Audi A5 sport Tiptronic

BMW 430i

Curb weight (lbs.)

3638

3411

3583

3558

Length(in)

184.5

183.6

182.1

182.6

Width(in)

71.3

72.5

73.0

71.9

Height(in)

55.3

54.8

54.0

54.2

Ground clearance (in)

5.1

5.0

4.5

5.1

Wheelbase (in)

111.8

109.3

108.3

110.6

Track width (in) F/R

61.5/60.9

60.3/61.7

62.6/62.1

60.9/62.7

LED headlights

18x8.5 inch Alloy wheels

245/40 R15 All Season Tires

Side Mirrors with Indicators

Body Color Door Handle

Duck Tail Spoiler

Safety

Just like any other Mercedes car the C300 is loaded with top-notch on-board safety features.The C300 has a high strength aluminum and steel body structure to take up any damages. It has LED daytime running lights, 10-way airbag protection, side mounted dual airbags, anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control and anti-theft alarm system as its basic safety.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe vs Cadillac ATS

The Cadillac ATS is an affordable coupe with broad body, powerful engine and very luxurious looking interiors. The ATS is very versatile and reliable which really stands for its name. In individual terms the ATS rule but when it comes to competition Mercedes have several advantages. No doubt that the ATS is Cheaper, more powerful and offers better performance.

But the Mercedes offers more stylish looking body, better vehicle dynamics, a lot more luxurious and rich interiors as well as the optional features and packages offered by the Mercedes overpowers the ATS.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe vs BMW 480i

The BMW, as usual, is the biggest rival of Mercedes and overpowers the C300 when it comes to driving experience, it has a lot more punch, sound way better and has better vehicle dynamics than the C300. The BMW also has better fuel economy, better boot space, and spacious interior at the same price. There are several other features that are standard on BMW 480i but not on the C300.

In simple words, in head-on comparison, the BMW overpowers the C300 but that doesn't mean that the C300 is any less.

Final Verdict

The C300 is a performance coupe, it has good fuel economy, powerful engine, stylish body, luxuries interior with perfect blend of luxury and sportiness and does not have any flaws when it comes to driving. The Mercedes also offers several customer service option for a little money that really comes in handy. But no car is perfect.

The C300 has several optional features that are standard in any other car, the acceleration is a bit slow, the exhaust is not much lively either and most of all it has some very expensive packages and trims. And, in case you are interested in buying the C300, have a budget of $50,000 so you can get the 4Matic with some other optional cool features to get the best C300.